Same Ol Blues

The fall lineup in jazz offers a rich diet and few surprises. Mainstream clubs and concert series present mainstream stars representing every generation from the cusp of swing/bop (Hank Jones) to the cusp of, well, neo-swing/bop (Stefon Harris). The usual downtown corrective will doubtless kick in, though, and it would be churlish not to concede that the schedule promises as many hours of masterly improvisation as you can afford. Events that command special attention include a 75th birthday tribute to Jimmy Heath at Lincoln Center and an exceedingly rare appearance by Martial Solal at the Village Vanguard. Heath, a saxophonist and composer of rare warmth, will have the opportunity to present some of his ingenious orchestral arrangements. Solal is a unique and dazzling pianist whose astonishing technique and intricacy of mind have few peers, now or ever. He's only 74.

The saxophonist showcases two bands, first, the marvelous nonet introduced on "52nd Street Themes," and three months later Coltrane Revisited, with the all-star rhythm team of Steve Kuhn and Idris Muhammad.

The always original and aspiring improviser duets with the empathic drummer Paul Motian in October, sharing a bill with Richard Galliano's accordion and Mark Feldman's violin; and two weeks later, leads an equally challenging and even more surprising trio with Marc Ribot and Joey Barron.

DAVID SANCHEZ

October 16-21

Village Vanguard, 178 Seventh Avenue South, 255-4037

He continues to stand out in a crowded field of tenors who know their Sonny and Trane.

The club is famous for its birthday bashes, but it has never offered anything as wide-ranging as this, and all because Chick is turning 60. During three weeks, he will lead at least six bands with, among others, Bobby McFerrin, Roy Haynes, the great Bud Powell Tribute quintet, Gary Burton, Origin, and Herbie whatsisname.